We really liked the Narwhal and Jelly, and the Mo Willems early readers (Piggie and something). But yeah, this stage is so tough because the books are boring, especially when you've got a kid whose comprehension is stronger than their reading skills. But the early readers are better than the school books, which are such an incredible snooze.
Also any of Arnold Lobel's early readers -- not just Frog and Toad (forever amazing) but also Owl at Home (my own personal favorite as a small child), Mouse Tales, Grasshopper on the Road, Small Pig, and Uncle Elephant. These books taught me that early readers don't actually have to be boring. They can -- and should! -- be just as compelling as any other genre for kiddos.
This is great, Kuleigh! One of my biggest children's book pet peeves is the not only the leveling of early readers -- I think it does a lot more damage than good -- but also the wild, WILD inconsistency between publishers. It makes no sense whatsoever and infuriates me -- so to answer your question, I didn't use a lot of early readers in teaching my kids to read. Of course we read some -- I love seeing Paddington Sets Sail on this list -- and there are definitely good, even great ones out there, but overall, I think it's a frustrating experience for so many parents and caregivers, not to mention kids, and it's like, WHY? Why make this harder, when this is already a hard task?
I appreciate your thoughts on this topic and I’m glad I’m not the only one that sees the inconsistencies in the levels. We have a Spider Man that is Level 1 or even pre-reader that has huge words in it. If I were just starting to read, I think it would leave me feeling frustrated.
We LOVE Jabari! And yes to all the early readers for two key reasons: Characters they know and love and early reading skill practice! Anything Mo Willems is always a hit, when my boys emerged into independent reading the Fly Guy series was quite a hit too and my personal favorite, Frog and Toad. :)
I think our library and the elementary school library have tons of the Fly Guy series. I noticed my daughter checked out an early reader yesterday at school! It’s reassuring to see her feel confident reading those types of books even if they’re not the same books I gravitate to as a parent.
That’s definitely something I’ve had to lean into more as my children have become independent readers. I know as a reader myself I value the space to read what I want.
When I have a bubba, I’ll come to you!!!!!
We really liked the Narwhal and Jelly, and the Mo Willems early readers (Piggie and something). But yeah, this stage is so tough because the books are boring, especially when you've got a kid whose comprehension is stronger than their reading skills. But the early readers are better than the school books, which are such an incredible snooze.
Those are both great suggestions! Elephant and Piggie!
Also any of Arnold Lobel's early readers -- not just Frog and Toad (forever amazing) but also Owl at Home (my own personal favorite as a small child), Mouse Tales, Grasshopper on the Road, Small Pig, and Uncle Elephant. These books taught me that early readers don't actually have to be boring. They can -- and should! -- be just as compelling as any other genre for kiddos.
What a great round up! 😍😍
This is great, Kuleigh! One of my biggest children's book pet peeves is the not only the leveling of early readers -- I think it does a lot more damage than good -- but also the wild, WILD inconsistency between publishers. It makes no sense whatsoever and infuriates me -- so to answer your question, I didn't use a lot of early readers in teaching my kids to read. Of course we read some -- I love seeing Paddington Sets Sail on this list -- and there are definitely good, even great ones out there, but overall, I think it's a frustrating experience for so many parents and caregivers, not to mention kids, and it's like, WHY? Why make this harder, when this is already a hard task?
(Thanks for coming to my TED talk 😂)
I appreciate your thoughts on this topic and I’m glad I’m not the only one that sees the inconsistencies in the levels. We have a Spider Man that is Level 1 or even pre-reader that has huge words in it. If I were just starting to read, I think it would leave me feeling frustrated.
We LOVE Jabari! And yes to all the early readers for two key reasons: Characters they know and love and early reading skill practice! Anything Mo Willems is always a hit, when my boys emerged into independent reading the Fly Guy series was quite a hit too and my personal favorite, Frog and Toad. :)
I think our library and the elementary school library have tons of the Fly Guy series. I noticed my daughter checked out an early reader yesterday at school! It’s reassuring to see her feel confident reading those types of books even if they’re not the same books I gravitate to as a parent.
That’s definitely something I’ve had to lean into more as my children have become independent readers. I know as a reader myself I value the space to read what I want.